Meeting your hero is a risky business, what if they turn out to be rude, less charismatic or shorter than you had fantasised?

A fondness of the great frontman Joe Strummer, lead singer of The Clash and godfather to Lily Allen, motivated Paul Hodson’s Edinburgh Festival hit play - ‘Meeting Joe Strummer’, now showing at South London Theatre until Saturday.

Director, Mark Ireson, was a big Clash fan in the 1970’s and found the play resonated with him; “A friend saw it and thought it would be something I would enjoy. Through the power of Google I got in touch with Paul, the writer, who was very open and supportive to the idea of a new version. It’s a very powerful piece about male friendship. There aren’t many contemporary plays that are about that subject.”

Mr Strummer supplies the catalyst for two teenagers at a Rock Against Racism gig in Victoria Park circa 1978, to strike up a friendship which goes onto span 30 years.

Although their lives take very different paths, one becomes a criminal, the other a famous actor with a part in Eastenders, their passion for The Clash reunites them at one of Strummer’s last gigs with The Mescaleros. But do the fans actually get to meet their idol?

Strummer inspired dreamers all over the world with his music and musings; “The Clash were one of punk rock’s leading lights,” says Ireson. “They weren’t nihilistic, they were one of the first bands who were politically active and had more about them than being simply out for a good time. They were an educational band and gave intelligent interviews.”

Set on a ‘black box’ stage without props or a set, ‘Meet Joe Strummer’s’ material and importantly, music, are given full concentration; “I have really enjoyed directing this play,” acknowledges Ireson. “I have got two strong actors in the cast who are really responsive and full of ideas. Because we’re not tied down to complex sets and loads of extras we can play the scenes in lots of different ways.”

South London Theatre is one of the largest non professional groups in London. They stage over 20 shows a year and the building houses two spaces: a studio with seating for 40-60 people and a traditional theatre space seating 100.

Meeting Joe Strummer at South London Theatre, 2a Norwood High Street, West Norwood. Until January 24th. For tickets contact the box office on 020 8670 3474.

Have you ever met your idol? What was it like? Were you thrilled or disappointed? Let us know by commenting on this story.